1401From George Washington to John Savage and Robert McKenzie, 16 December 1755 (Washington Papers)
You are ordered to remain here with your Recruits until further Orders. So soon as you arrive here, your men will be supplied with Clothes by applying to Major Carlyle. If any of your men should desert, you are to use your utmost diligence in pursuing and apprehending them, by immediately advertising, and sending a party or parties after them. LB , DLC:GW .
1402From George Washington to Mordecai Buckner, 16 December 1755 (Washington Papers)
The Recruits now in this town are to remain here until the arrival of the vessel with the Stores, &c. and to be under the same directions as before ordered. So soon as the Stores arrive, you are, with all possible dispatch, to procure a sufficient number of Waggons to carry them to Winchester; whither they are to be sent, under the escort of the Soldiers now here: except the Suits of Clothes;...
1403From George Washington to James Craik, 16 December 1755 (Washington Papers)
So soon as the Vessel with the Stores and medicines arrives, you are to embrace the first opportunity that offers, of conveying up your Chest, and proceeding, yourself, to Winchester. You are to provide yourself here, with what you think will be wanting for the Hospital, and bring them up with you; taking care to purchase no more than is absolutely necessary, for the support and relief of the...
1404George Mercer to John Fenton Mercer, 16 December 1755 (Washington Papers)
You are immediately, upon receipt hereof, to repair to Winchester, where you will meet with Colonel Washington, and receive further orders. I am &c. Alexandria: December 16th 1755. N:B. A Copy left at Alexandria, and another sent to Stafford, to him there. LB , DLC:GW . John Mercer went from Alexandria to Williamsburg on 5 Dec. to settle his military accounts, remained there until 16 Dec., and...
1405To George Washington from John Robinson, 16 December 1755 (Washington Papers)
I recd your favour by Mr Mercer and am very sorry I could not dispatch him sooner, but it was impossible, and at last have not been able to send the whole ballance having got ready for him only Four Thousand Pounds ten shillings which I hope will be sufficient to answer all your present Occasions and the Ballance you may have whenever you please to order it. I[t] gives me great Concern to find...
1406Provincial Commissioners to George Croghan, [17 December 1755] (Franklin Papers)
MS not found; reprinted from Pennsylvania Archives , 1st series, II (Philadelphia, 1852), 536. You are desired to proceed to Cumberland County and fix on proper Places for erecting three Stockadoes, vizt., One back of Patterson’s, One upon Kishecoquillas, and one Near Sideling Hill; Each of them Fifty feet Square, with a Block-house on two of the Corners, and a Barrack within, capable of...
1407To George Washington from Peter Hog, 17 December 1755 (Washington Papers)
I recd yours of the 28th Novr and can only Say that the Uncertainty of knowing where to find you and the little care taken to forward Letters in this part of the Country Occassions great Suspence on my side and great Uncertainty on yours with regard to the State of the Company. Else you would not have doubted my care to prevent the Desertion for by the Subsequent returns you would Observe that...
1408To George Washington from Thomas Walker, 17 December 1755 (Washington Papers)
I have done the best in my power with the Carolina Cattle, Having killed ten of the best that was brought up and finding them unfit for use drove the others up to Daniel Cresaps Plantation which is the best chance we have of keeping them alive—As I could not engage the wintering of them below through the scarcity of Fodder. Some are left below & some on the south Branch to winter. Some are...
1409To George Washington from Thomas Walker, 17 December 1755 (Washington Papers)
If you will lodge one Hundred pounds in the Hands of Mr Robert Rutherford to Pay for such Necessarys as may be wanted for the Servis I will be accountable for it. If Mr Rutherford wants any direction beg you will give such as you think proper & oblige your Most Humble Servant ALS , DLC:GW . Walker had recently made Robert Rutherford commissary in Winchester in the place of John Jones ( Walker...
1410A Dialogue between X, Y, and Z, 18 December 1755 (Franklin Papers)
Printed in The Pennsylvania Gazette , December 18, 1755. The scorn heaped on Franklin’s Militia Act by the proprietary interest made necessary a sympathetic explanation of its unique features to help secure the wide popular support required for its implementation. Franklin explained his connection with the dialogue printed below in the autobiography: “To promote the Association necessary to...
1411Orders, 20 December 1755 (Washington Papers)
A Return to be given in immediately of the Recruits now in this town, by the several Officers who enlisted them; mentioning their height, age, trade, &c. The Officers to see that the Sergeants who understand the manual Exercise, do drill the Recruits, at least twice a-day. LB , DLC:GW .
1412To George Washington from Adam Stephen, 21 December 1755 (Washington Papers)
I suppose Majr Lewis informed You that the Valley at the mouth of Pattersons Creek did not extend above 800 yards from hill to hill. I went up to Ashby’s and Saw Mr Boyd pay the men—He sold us some Liquor for our Detachmt as the weather was Cold, and we found that three months pay was due to some of his Men whilst others were paid off to the 4th inst. I really do not like the mouth of the...
1413Orders, 22 December 1755 (Washington Papers)
A Return is to be made every morning to Colonel Washington of the number of men in this town—and all contingences. During his stay here, no provision is to be delivered out, but by a written order from him or the aid de camp. The Commissary is to send up the Cask of Tools by the first waggon that goes to the Fort. The following men being judged unfit for Duty, on Review; are ordered to be...
1414George Mercer to Thomas Walker, 22 December 1755 (Washington Papers)
Deliver Captain Bells and Ensign Thompsons Recruits, four days provision; being in all, eighteen men. Deliver John Beard, five days, and John Campbell, of Captain Gist’s Company, four days provision. Deliver Francis Madden four days d[itt]o. LB , DLC:GW .
1415Orders, 23 December 1755 (Washington Papers)
The Soldiers who received their discharge yesterday, are to attend at the Head-Quarters at 2 O’Clock; and they will receive some money to bear their expences home. They are not to be allowed to take their Regimentals with them; but, if they are very naked, may take their Blankets. Although there were express orders given for Returns being made regularly every morning, none have yet been given...
1416George Mercer to Thomas Walker, 23 December 1755 (Washington Papers)
Deliver Sergeant Campbell and his Party (eleven in number) three days provision. LB , DLC:GW . This was almost certainly Sgt. Henry Campbell, whom George Mercer ordered on 11 Dec. to conduct wagons up from Alexandria and who deserted at Winchester on 24 Dec. after being accused of stealing from the wagons. It is unlikely that he is Hugh Campbell, a sergeant in Capt. William Bronaugh’s company.
1417To George Washington from Adam Stephen, 23 December 1755 (Washington Papers)
Such a Spirit of Revenge and Indignation prevaild here, upon hearing you were insulted at the Fairfax Election, that we all were ready and violent to run and tear Your Enemies to pieces. As I imagine my self interested in all that Concerns you, I cannot forbear telling you that it would have been far better to have acquainted me with your Intention of Standing Candidate for Frederick, my...
1418George Mercer to Thomas Walker, 24 December 1755 (Washington Papers)
Deliver five men, two days provision; Captain Bronaugh’s Recruits—Deliver the Detachment of Light Horse, being thirteen men, two days provision. LB , DLC:GW .
1419[Benjamin Franklin?] to ——, 25 December 1755 (Franklin Papers)
Extract printed in The Pennsylvania Gazette , January 1, 1756. Governor Morris and the commissioners appointed in the £60,000 money act worked diligently to organize more effective measures against the continuing Indian attacks. By December 4 they had decided to rely chiefly upon a fort to be erected at Shamokin (at the forks of the Susquehanna; now Sunbury) from which ranging parties would be...
1420George Mercer’s Orders, 25 December 1755 (Washington Papers)
It is Colonel Washington’s Orders, that Ensigns Polson and Thompson, Corporals McDonald and Broughton, do immediately go in pursuit of Sergeant Campbell and two men who deserted last night; and use all possible means to apprehend and bring them back. As an encouragement for apprehending them, the Colonel promises a reward of twenty-shillings for each of them, to the two Corporals. N:B. That...
1421George Mercer to Thomas Walker, 25 December 1755 (Washington Papers)
It is Colonel Washingtons Orders, that you provide the Sick with all necessaries the Surgeons shall apply to you for; of which you are to make a charge. LB , DLC:GW .
1422Orders, 26 December 1755 (Washington Papers)
It is Colonel Washingtons Orders, that the Recruiting Officers who arrived in town yesterday do give in a Return immediately of the number of men they have recruited since the 4th instant. They are to be drawn up to-morrow at ten o’clock to be reviewed, and have the Articles of War read to them. A Court of Enquiry to sit immediately to examine whether William Mitcalfe, recruited by Ensign...
1423Court of Inquiry, 26 December 1755 (Washington Papers)
A Court of Enquiry held upon William Mitcalfe whereof were Members viz. Major Lewis, President Captain Stewart, Captain Bronaugh, Captain Lewis, Captain Bell, Lieutenant Bullett, Ensigns Thompson and Polson. It was the Judgment of the Court, that the said Mitcalfe was regularly enlisted and attested; and was sober when he received the money. LB , DLC:GW .
1424George Mercer to Robert Johnston, 26 December 1755 (Washington Papers)
It is Colonel Washingtons Orders, that you examine into the case of William Mitcalfe, and report if you think he is subject to Fits: Mr Roy will assist you. It is the opinion of Messieurs Johnston and Roy, that he is not addicted to Fits; and fit enough for Duty. LB , DLC:GW . Mr. Johnston was probably the Robert Johnston (d. 1763) who appeared before the Frederick County court on 6 Jan. 1756...
1425After Orders, 26 December 1755 (Washington Papers)
After Orders. The Deserters now confined in the Guard-House, are to be immediately handcuffed; and to be supported with bread and water only. LB , DLC:GW . Sgt. Henry Campbell and two soldiers deserted on Christmas Eve and were retaken on Christmas Day. See the Orders and After Orders of 25 Dec. 1755 .
1426To George Washington from Adam Stephen, 26 December 1755 (Washington Papers)
The State of the Regiment is much the Same as at last Return. Capt. Peachy is a good deal Better—Mr Lowry pines after the Babby, and has been of no Service here, the gentlemen who are best acquainted with him, tell me they are of Opinion he is tired of the Service, and Being a Malingeror here, I gave him leave to Wait on you to inform how he stood affected. I had the honour to dine at the head...
1427To George Washington from Thomas Walker, 26 December 1755 (Washington Papers)
I have got most of the Cattle slaughtered except those that were under the care of Shepherd & Perry, and to my great satisfaction assure you those we now kill are better than they were in august, Occasioned by the Corn remai[ni]ng in the Fields of the poor unhappy Familys that are Slaughtered or captivated by our Savage enemys. Most of Shepherds & Perrys I am in hopes to keep alive at a small...
1428From Benjamin Franklin to Deborah Franklin, 27 December 1755 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I receiv’d yours of the 24th with Pleasure [since it?] acquainted me of your and the Family’s Welfare. [I] am glad to hear that the Companies are forming in Town and chusing their Officers, and hope the Example will be followed throughout the Country. We all continue well, but much harrass’d with Business; after many Difficulties and Disappointments we...
1429Memorandum, 27 December 1755 (Washington Papers)
William Crawford received his Commission as Ensign in the Company of Scouts commanded by Captain Christopher Gist; who had money delivered him to Recruit with; the General Instructions, and the same private Instructions that were given the Officers at Alexandria the third instant (only the opportunities of Elections were omitted) and was ordered to Rendezvous here the fourteenth of February...
1430From George Washington to Andrew Lewis, 27 December 1755 (Washington Papers)
In pursuance of Commands from the Governor to me, you are hereby ordered to proceed to Augusta, and there to take upon you the command of Captain Hogg’s Company; three Companies of Rangers, and such Cherokee Indians as you shall find there; and march them to such place or places, and obey such order or orders, as the Governor shall direct. Given under my Hand &c. at Winchester, December 27th...
1431From George Washington to Peter Hog, 27 December 1755 (Washington Papers)
I wrote you fully the 28th ultimo; since when I have only received two returns; one of the twenty-sixth, the other of the twenty-ninth of November; by which I find you still want men to complete your Company. The present allowance for Recruiting is two Pistoles per man, and eight-pence per day subsistance from the time of their attestation, until they are received at Quarters; and no men are...
1432From George Washington to Adam Stephen, 28 December 1755 (Washington Papers)
Captn John Mercer only returnd last night from Williamsburg and brings no satisfactory answers to any thing I questiond the Governor upon. The express that was sent to Genl Shirley is returnd, without seeing him: however the Governor writes that he expects answers to his Letters by Colo. Hunter, who is now at New York and waits the arrival of the Genl at that place. The Governor is very...
1433Orders, 28 December 1755 (Washington Papers)
The Recruiting Officers now in town are to make out their accompts and deliver them to morrow at ten o’clock—They are to charge two Pistoles for each man received at the place of Rendezvous; and eight-pence per day for their maintenance: no other charges will be allowed. Three Recruits that Ensign Smith reviewed and passed this day, are to be furnished with Clothes, Arms, &c. A Court of...
1434From George Washington to William Cocks, 28 December 1755 (Washington Papers)
You are hereby Ordered to repair to your Company with all possible dispatch. I have found it impracticable to procure Clothes for your men. I think none so proper for Rangers as Matchcoats; therefore would advise you to procure them. Those who have not received Clothing for the future will have their full pay, without stoppages; and those already made, will be repaid to them. Those who have...
1435From George Washington to John Ashby, 28 December 1755 (Washington Papers)
I am very much surprized to hear of the great irregularities which were allowed of in your camp. The Rum, although sold by Joseph Coombs, I am credibly informed, is your property. There are continual complaints to me of the misbehaviour of your Wife; who I am told sows sedition among the men, and is chief of every mutiny. If she is not immediately sent from the camp, or I hear any more...
1436Provincial Commissioners: Instructions to William Parsons, 29 December 1755 (Franklin Papers)
Draft: New York Public Library Instructions to Major Parsons You are immediately to raise and take into Pay for one Month a Company of Foot consisting of 24 Men, to be employ’d as a Garrison, Guard and Watch for the Town of Easton, who shall be allow’d at the Rate of 6 Dollars per Month, with Arms and Ammunition, and 15 lb. of Bread and Meat per Week and a Gill of Rum per Day for each Man. You...
1437Orders, 29 December 1755 (Washington Papers)
The Officers of each Company when the Roll is called thrice a-day, are also to see that the Recruits have their arms clean and in good order and that they always appear at roll calling with all their accoutremements. They are also to see that all the men appear tight and clean, with their hats always cock’d. Two or three Officers are to examine the prisoners and see if their handcuffs are too...
1438From George Washington to John Ashby, 29 December 1755 (Washington Papers)
As I am informed of several Soldiers having deserted your Company. You are hereby ordered to pursue them with all possible dispatch; and use your utmost endeavours to apprehend and secure them. Given &c. at Winchester 29th December, 1755. LB , DLC:GW .
1439From George Washington to Thomas Rutherford, 29 December 1755 (Washington Papers)
You are hereby ordered to repair to the Company immediately, and use your utmost endeavours to keep it under due regulation, until the return of Captain Ashby. So soon as you arrive there, you are to acquaint Captain Lewis, it is my Orders that he with his party, return to Fort Cumberland. Given &c. at Winchester, the 29th of December 1755. LB , DLC:GW .
1440After Orders, 29 December 1755 (Washington Papers)
After Orders. The Commissary is to give in immediately an accompt of all the Blankets, Shirts, Shoes, and Stockings in the Store. N:B. Samuel Boyd, Soldier in Captain Ashby’s Company of Rangers, is discharged on the petition of the Reverend Mr Gordon, and a promise to find another man in his stead. James Dunbar is likewise discharged; as it appears he was drunk, and not duly enlisted by...
1441From Benjamin Franklin to Conrad Weiser, Jonas Seely, and James Read, 30 December 1755 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : Grand Lodge F. and A.M. of Pennsylvania We are just on the Point of setting out for Bethlehem, in our Way to Reading, where we propose to be (God willing) on Thursday Evening. The Commissioners are all well, and thank you for the Concern you express for their Welfare. We hope to have the Pleasure of finding you well. No News this Way, except that Aaron Depui’s Barn was burnt last Week,...
1442Orders, 30 December 1755 (Washington Papers)
The Commissary is immediately to engage eight waggons to be sent to the Quarter-Master at Alexandria, to bring Stores, &c. from that place: and he is to make a Report, as soon as he has engaged that number. A Sergeant and six men to pile up the Cannon Ball that be scattered before the magazine; and the Sentry there is to have Orders, not to let them be thrown about again. After Orders Whereas...
1443To George Washington from Robert Duncanson, 30 December 1755 (Washington Papers)
The Early opportunity I had of being acquainted with you, will I hope Excuse my writing you at this time in favour of my Brother who being a stranger to you, has Carry’d Recommendations from Gentlemen who have the Honour to share some part of your friendship, & I wou’d fain flatter myself that after he is known to you, youll have no Reason to blame them; Lieutent Stewart on acct of the...
1444To George Washington from Adam Stephen, 30 December 1755 (Washington Papers)
I received yours of the 28th by Jenkins and will do myself the honor to wait on you as soon as the accounts you order are made out, which will be without delay. I will likewise sound C. D. on the topics you mention and am with great respect Yr most obedt Sprague transcript , DLC:GW . It was Capt. John Dagworthy who was to be sounded out.
1445Orders, 31 December 1755 (Washington Papers)
As there has issued Orders several times for every Officer to provide himself with a proper Regimental Dress (which dress is also particularly described:) Colonel Washington is a good deal surprized to find that some Officers are yet unprovided; and declares, that if they do not immediately procure them, or such thereof as can be had—it will be looked upon as disobedience of orders, and will...
1446From George Washington to Christopher Gist, 31 December 1755 (Washington Papers)
You are hereby ordered to proceed to those public Places where you have the greatest probability of success; and continue Recruiting until the first day of March; at which time it is expected you will repair to this place. You are, with some trusty person, to send your Recruits here, so soon as you raise a squad of five or ten men; and the person with whom you entrust them, is to take a...
1447Poor Richard Improved, 1756 (Franklin Papers)
Poor Richard improved: Being an Almanack and Ephemeris … for the Year of our Lord 1756 . … By Richard Saunders, Philom. Philadelphia: Printed and Sold by B. Franklin and D. Hall. (Yale University Library) I suppose my Almanack may be worth the Money thou hast paid for it, hadst thou no other Advantage from it, than to find the Day of the Month , the remarkable Days , the Changes of the Moon ,...
1448Queries on Frontier Settlement and Defense, 1756 (Franklin Papers)
MS not found; reprinted from William Duane, Memoirs of Benjamin Franklin … with a Postliminious Preface (Philadelphia, 1834), I , xvii. Duane states that “we find the following notes made immediately upon his [Franklin’s] appointment to the command” in Northampton County (Jan. 5, 1756), but the present editors know of no reason for assigning such a precise date. The calm tone of the queries...
1449Anonymous: Musings near a Cool Spring, 1756 (Franklin Papers)
Transcript: Library Company of Philadelphia Unsigned and undated, these verses have been copied into a Scrap Volume compiled by Pierre Eugène du Simitière. The latest event specifically mentioned is the building of Fort Allen in January 1756 (above, VI, 362–7), and the absence of any direct mention of Franklin’s English mission implies a date earlier than the summer of 1757 and presumably even...
1450From John Adams to the Reverend Jacob Bailey, January 1756 (Adams Papers)
I receiv’d your favour of Decr. 29. about 3 or 4 Days after it was wrote. The bearer left it at the Tavern and proceeded on his journey, so that I despair’d of ever getting an opportunity of answering it, till this moment. I heartily sympathize with you in your affliction, which I am the better qualified to do as I am confined myself to a like place of Torment. When I compare The gay, the...